Ultimate 4D vs Airy 3S
The Airy 3S's output is 0.3 mV against the Ultimate 4D's 0.2 mV. Both share tracking force (2.0 g), channel separation (30 dB), and cartridge type (MC).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The ZYX Ultimate 4D is a premium moving coil phono cartridge designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality and precision. It features a carbon composite cantilever made from 1000 carbon fibers (C-1000), which offers superior rigidity and low mass compared to traditional materials, resulting in wide frequency response and excellent tracking. The cartridge uses a microridge solid diamond stylus with a 3μm radius and 60μm contact length, providing stable and smooth groove tracing with an expected lifespan of approximately 2000 hours. The generator coils are made from 6N oxygen-free crystal copper or a gold-silver alloy wire, both cryogenically treated to enhance performance. The cartridge body is constructed from clear acrylic to minimize resonance and eddy currents. It has an output voltage of 0.24mV (with a high-output 0.48mV version available), an internal impedance of 4Ω (8Ω for high-output), and a recommended tracking force of 2.0 grams. The Ultimate 4D comes with gold-plated terminals, a silver base option to increase weight for tonearm compatibility, and ZYX nuts for easier installation and improved detail. It is designed to deliver natural, dynamic, and true-to-source sound reproduction with a frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz and channel separation greater than 30 dB at 1 kHz.
Phono cartridge specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Airy 3S's output is 0.3 mV against the Ultimate 4D's 0.2 mV. Both share tracking force (2.0 g), channel separation (30 dB), and cartridge type (MC).
The Starling's output is 0.5 mV against the Ultimate 4D's 0.2 mV and its channel separation 35 dB against 30 dB. Both share tracking force (2.0 g) and cartridge type (MC).
The Ultimate VX Airy matches the Ultimate 4D on output (0.2 mV), tracking force (2.0 g), channel separation (30 dB), and cartridge type (MC).
The Ultimate Exceed 100 matches the Ultimate 4D on output (0.2 mV), tracking force (2.0 g), channel separation (30 dB), and stylus type (Microridge).
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